Sponsor malware, primarily distributed through Microsoft Exchange server vulnerabilities, infiltrates systems with ease.
Sponsor Backdoor collects host information and communicates with a central server. Its versatile capabilities include executing commands from operators, downloading and running files, and adjusting communication intervals. This malware’s wide-ranging infiltration methods and potent functionality make it a noteworthy threat.
Sponsor Backdoor Overview
Sponsor malware, categorized as a backdoor, is a malicious software variant with a notable presence in cyberattacks across various sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, insurance, communications, and telecommunications. This malware is notably coded using the C++ programming language, which allows it to establish unauthorized access to compromised systems, making it a significant cybersecurity concern for organizations across diverse industries.
Sponsor backdoor on Virus Total
| Name | Sponsor |
| Detection | Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/BDPlusSrvc.B!dha), Gridinsoft (Trojan.Win32.Agent.dd!s1) |
| Symptoms | Backdoor malware typically is designed to stealthily infiltrate the victim’s computer and remain silent, and thus no particular symptoms are clearly visible on an infected machine. |
| Distribution methods | Vulnerability in Miccrosoft Exchange servers. Other possible channels include infected email attachments, malicious online advertisements, social engineering, and software ‘cracks’. |
| Damage | Stolen passwords and banking information, identity theft, the victim’s computer added to a botnet, additional infections, monetary loss, data encryption, and more. |
| Similar Behavior | Redsip, CSBeacon, BitRat |
| Fix Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by Sponsor Virus |
Technical Analysis of Sponsor
Sponsor malware, once activated on a system, gathers diverse information about the host and transmits it to a central server known as the C&C server. In return, it obtains a unique node ID, which it saves in a file called “node.txt.” The harvested data encompasses the host’s name, time zone, language settings, hardware particulars like motherboard and processor details, and software specifics, including the operating system version and installation type.
Sponsor, as a type of malware, carries out various tasks upon receiving specific commands from its operator. These tasks include providing its process ID to the operator, executing designated commands on the infected host and relaying the results, accepting and executing files sent by the operator, and downloading and executing files from the internet.
Additionally, Sponsor can execute a script to uninstall the malware, enter a sleep mode for a specified duration before reconnecting with the operator, and modify the check-in interval for communication with the operator.
Spreading methods
Sponsor malware gains access by exploiting a known vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange servers. This well-documented security flaw has been exploited by cybercriminals as a gateway for initial access. Once successfully exploited, it provides these attackers with a foothold on compromised systems, enabling the deployment and activation of the Sponsor backdoor.
Other potential infection vectors include malicious attachments or links in phishing emails, malicious ads, drive-by downloads from compromised websites, or the delivery of infected files through social engineering techniques. These tactics leverage human vulnerabilities, deceiving users into unwittingly installing the malware on their systems.
Remove Sponsor with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware
We have also been using this software on our systems ever since, and it has always been successful in detecting viruses. It has blocked the most common Stealers as shown from our tests with the software, and we assure you that it can remove Sponsor as well as other malware hiding on your computer.
To use Gridinsoft for remove malicious threats, follow the steps below:
1. Begin by downloading Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, accessible via the blue button below or directly from the official website gridinsoft.com.
2.Once the Gridinsoft setup file (setup-gridinsoft-fix.exe) is downloaded, execute it by clicking on the file.
3.Follow the installation setup wizard's instructions diligently.
4. Access the "Scan Tab" on the application's start screen and launch a comprehensive "Full Scan" to examine your entire computer. This inclusive scan encompasses the memory, startup items, the registry, services, drivers, and all files, ensuring that it detects malware hidden in all possible locations.
Be patient, as the scan duration depends on the number of files and your computer's hardware capabilities. Use this time to relax or attend to other tasks.
5. Upon completion, Anti-Malware will present a detailed report containing all the detected malicious items and threats on your PC.
6. Select all the identified items from the report and confidently click the "Clean Now" button. This action will safely remove the malicious files from your computer, transferring them to the secure quarantine zone of the anti-malware program to prevent any further harmful actions.
8. If prompted, restart your computer to finalize the full system scan procedure. This step is crucial to ensure thorough removal of any remaining threats. After the restart, Gridinsoft Anti-Malware will open and display a message confirming the completion of the scan.
Remember Gridinsoft offers a 6-day free trial. This means you can take advantage of the trial period at no cost to experience the full benefits of the software and prevent any future malware infections on your system. Embrace this opportunity to fortify your computer's security without any financial commitment.
Trojan Killer for “Sponsor” removal on locked PC
In situations where it becomes impossible to download antivirus applications directly onto the infected computer due to malware blocking access to websites, an alternative solution is to utilize the Trojan Killer application.
There is a really little number of security tools that are able to be set up on the USB drives, and antiviruses that can do so in most cases require to obtain quite an expensive license. For this instance, I can recommend you to use another solution of GridinSoft - Trojan Killer Portable. It has a 14-days cost-free trial mode that offers the entire features of the paid version. This term will definitely be 100% enough to wipe malware out.
Trojan Killer is a valuable tool in your cybersecurity arsenal, helping you to effectively remove malware from infected computers. Now, we will walk you through the process of using Trojan Killer from a USB flash drive to scan and remove malware on an infected PC. Remember, always obtain permission to scan and remove malware from a computer that you do not own.
Step 1: Download & Install Trojan Killer on a Clean Computer:
1. Go to the official GridinSoft website (gridinsoft.com) and download Trojan Killer to a computer that is not infected.
2. Insert a USB flash drive into this computer.
3. Install Trojan Killer to the "removable drive" following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch Trojan Killer.
Step 2: Update Signature Databases:
5. After launching Trojan Killer, ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet.
6. Click "Update" icon to download the latest signature databases, which will ensure the tool can detect the most recent threats.
Step 3: Scan the Infected PC:
7. Safely eject the USB flash drive from the clean computer.
8. Boot the infected computer to the Safe Mode.
9. Insert the USB flash drive.
10. Run tk.exe
11. Once the program is open, click on "Full Scan" to begin the malware scanning process.
Step 4: Remove Found Threats:
12. After the scan is complete, Trojan Killer will display a list of detected threats.
13. Click on "Cure PC!" to remove the identified malware from the infected PC.
14. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the removal process.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer:
15. Once the threats are removed, click on "Restart PC" to reboot your computer.
16. Remove the USB flash drive from the infected computer.
Congratulations on effectively removing Sponsor and the concealed threats from your computer! You can now have peace of mind, knowing that they won't resurface again. Thanks to Gridinsoft's capabilities and commitment to cybersecurity, your system is now protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reformatting your storage device should only be considered as a last resort for removing Sponsor malware. Prior to taking such drastic action, it is advisable to perform a comprehensive scan using trustworthy antivirus or anti-malware software.
Malware poses a significant risk to the security and privacy of sensitive information, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Furthermore, it can disrupt the normal operation of a system, causing performance issues, system crashes, and data corruption.
The purpose of Sponsor is to enable remote access and control of compromised devices. It allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data theft, system manipulation, and disabling security measures, potentially causing significant harm to individuals and organizations.
Gridinsoft Anti-Malware has the ability to identify and eliminate most malware infections. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that sophisticated malware can remain hidden deep within the system. Consequently, conducting a complete system scan is imperative to detect and eradicate malware.
How to Remove Sponsor Malware
Name: Sponsor
Description: Sponsor malware poses a significant cybersecurity threat, primarily disseminated through the exploitation of known vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange servers. Once it gains entry, Sponsor Backdoor collects a trove of host information and relays it to a central server. Its robust capabilities encompass executing remote commands, downloading and executing files, and even modifying communication intervals to stay hidden. This malware's diverse infiltration vectors, which include phishing emails and malicious websites, make it a persistent menace. Its capacity to compromise systems, steal data, and respond to remote commands highlights its dangerous potential in the world of cyberattacks. Vigilance and proactive security measures are crucial defenses against this threat.
Operating System: Windows
Application Category: Malware
